From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The International Law Association (ILA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint highly skilled international law experts as ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions and other trade organisations.
Considering the recent announcement of the United States President, Donald Trump on trade tariffs and its attendant escalating tensions in the world, ILA emphasised that in appointing ambassadors to represent the country.
“There is a need to ensure a focus on expertise and merit, particularly sound knowledge of international law and diplomacy.”
Expressing concern over the delay in the appointment of ambassadors almost two years into Tinubu’s administration, the association maintained that Nigeria’s ability to confront the escalating trade tensions and attract win-win trade and investment opportunities largely depends on the quality of representation abroad.
The President and Chair of the Executive Council, ILA Nigeria, Prof. Damilola Olawuyi (SAN) made this known at a press conference heralding the commencement of activities of the 8th Annual Conference of the International Law Association, Nigerian Branch, held on Tuesday, at Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Ekiti State
The President of ILA Nigeria, who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) of ABUAD, while speaking on the theme, ‘Fostering Trade and Investment Integration for Sustainable Development: The Role of International Law’ expressed ILA’s readiness to support Nigeria’s efforts towards enhancing its trade interests.
According to Olawuyi, eminent personalities to grace the event are: Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, ABUAD founder, Aare Afe Babalola, the Special Guest of Honour, Gambia’s Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Hon. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof,
Former Minister of State for Petroleum and former Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC) Ibe Kachikwu, and President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Aliu Omar Touray, among others.
“The International Law Association (ILA) was founded in Brussels in 1873. Its objectives, under its constitution, are the study, clarification and development of international law, both public and private, and the furtherance of international understanding and respect for international law.
“The ILA has consultative status as an international non-governmental organisation, with several of the United Nations specialized agencies.
“The Nigerian Branch of the ILA was formally inaugurated in 2014 by the then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Rt. Hon Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, GCON. Since 2014, ILA Nigeria has become a leading platform for the study, dissemination and development of international law through publications, public dialogue and events.
“ILA Nigeria seeks to promote idea exchange amongst Nigerians interested in the study and practice of international law and the promotion of peace and justice worldwide.
“This year’s conference themed “Fostering Trade and Investment Integration for Sustainable Development: The Role of International Law” provides a timely opportunity to explore the role of international law in enhancing the movement of goods and services across borders.
“Just a few days ago, United States President, Donald Trump announced sweeping trade tariffs that have left the whole world wondering about the future of international trade as we have known it.
“In an era of unilateral trade tariffs, international law and diplomacy will be central to minimize the disruptive impacts of unilateralism and isolationism on the flow of goods and services across borders. Africa must gear up so that our businesses do not become the sacrificial lambs for the escalating trade tensions. The big question is, are we ready in Nigeria to respond decisively and effectively to the escalating trade tensions?
“Unfortunately, one cannot confidently say so, especially given that we currently do not have ambassadors representing Nigeria’s interests in our permanent missions abroad.
“It has been close to two years now since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, announced the sweeping recall of all ambassadors, and as we speak, their replacements are yet to be announced. While we welcome recent announcements about the ongoing selection process, there is a need to ensure a focus on expertise and merit, particularly sound knowledge of international law and diplomacy.
“Nigeria’s ability to attract win-win trade and investment opportunities at this time of urgent need will largely depend on the quality of representation abroad.
“We therefore call on Mr. President to, as a matter of great exigency, take urgent steps to appoint highly skilled international law experts as Ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions, including to the World Trade Organisation, UNCTAD, UNESCO and other the United Nations agencies.
“We stand ready at the International Law Association to support national efforts in this regard. This timely conference gathers eminent diplomats, ambassadors, legal scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and business leaders to discuss, debate, and propose forward-looking legal solutions that can contribute to a more cooperative, equitable and sustainable global economy.
“We hope that the communique that will be released at the end of the conference will help formulate effective strategies for advancing Nigeria’s trade interests in an era of great uncertainty.”
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Conference Organising Committee, Dr. Adenike Akinsemolu, highlighted the gains of the 2025 conference
She said, “This year’s conference will provide a platform for international lawyers and trade experts to discuss the dynamic roles of international law in fostering trade and investment that could unlock sustainable and inclusive growth.
“Lawyers, non-lawyers in business and financial spheres, academics, advocates, practitioners, and students interested in international law, would attend the conference.”
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, said for the first time, the annual event is taking place at a university. For many years, the conference has been held at hotels and event centers in Lagos and Abuja.
She commended the founder of ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) for establishing the university that has been recording milestone achievements since its establishment, noting that the university is ready to contribute its quota to global trade.
“Our university is ready to contribute to global trade. Our passion is to build a mission-driven world class university that contributes to solving societal problems. However, we realise we cannot achieve this vision alone.”
She added, “As our distinguished Chancellor and founder has rightly noted, the time has come for the federal government to recognise the ABUAD Industrial Park as a free Trade Zone. Such recognition will allow the seemless movement of the homegrown goods and products made at the Park to global markets thereby transforming Nigeria’s economy and contributing to employment, foreign exchange earnings, local content development and overall sustainable development.”